In the United States, since 1972, QBS procurement processes have been required by law under The Brooks Act when hiring certain professions for US federal government projects. As well over 40 states have similar legislation requiring QBS for certain professional services procurement.

Increasingly, more jurisdictions in Canada and around the globe are shifting to the QBS procurement methodology either through policy or legislation changes.

In Canada QBS has long been used in Calgary and the province of Quebec and now Ontario and Alberta are making inroads along with other jurisdictions. More information is available at the links below.

Information on the US legislation that since 1972 has made low bid selection of architecture and engineering vendors illegal in the United States. The Brooks Act

A 2015 Report from The Auditor General of Ontario detailing how the low-bid procurement process, contractors’ performance and other factors have led to a decrease in winter highway maintenance service levels across theprovince, resulting in less safe driving conditions.